benzodiazepine

[ben-zoh-dahy-az-uh-peen, -ey-zuh-]

noun

Pharmacology.

1. any of a family of minor tranquilizers that act against anxiety and convulsions and produce sedation and muscle relaxation.

benzodiazepine

/ ˌbɛnzəʊdaɪˈeɪzəˌpiːn /

noun

1. any of a group of chemical compounds that are used as minor tranquillizers, such as diazepam (Valium) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium)

Word History and Origins

Origin of benzodiazepine¹

First recorded in 1965–70; benz- + diazep(am) + -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of benzodiazepine¹

C20: from _benzo- + _di- ¹ + _aza- + _ep- + _-ine ²

Example Sentences

Deaths involving benzodiazepines - including prescribed diazepam and counterfeit tablets such as 'street Valium' - rose rapidly over the last decade and were a major factor in the drug deaths crisis.

From BBC

He said because both benzodiazepines and nitazenes were depressants, “their combined effect increases the risk of overdose significantly”.

From BBC

The report also confirms psychoactive substances such as benzodiazepines are posing significant dangers.

From BBC

Nitazines, often mixed into heroin, are now being cut with benzodiazepines too.

From BBC

Other Schedule IV drugs include the opioid tramadol and a group of depressants known as benzodiazepines.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• sedative